FAQ: How does relative humidity affect the performance of an ESD floor?
Dry air resists the flow of electricity. That’s why more static is generated when the climate is dry. Because static can’t move through dry air, static tends to stay on surfaces when the air is dry. As water is conductive, humidity promotes the flow of electricity. By pulling moisture from the air, some ESD floors may appear to perform better when the humidity is over 40 percent. This is quite normal with carpet. Dry air can do the opposite.
All ESD floors should be conditioned and tested at least as low as 12 percent relative humidity. Unless the floor is loaded with carbon fibers, most floors will fail ANSI/ESD walking and resistive property tests below 20 percent RH.
Dry air resists the flow of electricity. That’s why more static is generated when the climate is dry. Because static can’t move through dry air, static tends to stay on surfaces when the air is dry. As water is conductive, humidity promotes the flow of electricity. By pulling moisture from the air, some ESD floors may appear to perform better when the humidity is over 40 percent. This is quite normal with carpet. Dry air can will do the opposite.
All ESD floors should be conditioned and tested at least as low as 12 percent relative humidity. Unless the floor is loaded with carbon fibers, most floors will fail ANSI/ESD walking and resistive property tests below 20 percent RH.
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StaticWorx high-performance static-control floors protect electronic components, explosives, and high-speed computers from damage caused by static electricity. ESD flooring is part of a system. Choices should always be based on objective, researched evidence. When you partner with us, we look at all possible items that may need to integrate with the floor, and, focusing on your goals and objectives, help you find the right floor for your application.
